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When bilateral relations triumph over regional

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries might have been disappointed at Rwanda’s precedence over the deployment of its forces to the troubled Mozambique, ahead of defense deployment from their countries, but the Rwandan and Mozambican governments have had good bilateral relations strengthened at the signing of several agreements in 2018.  Mozambique, geographically located in the southern part of the African continent, is a regional member of the SADC, while Rwanda belongs to the East African Community (EAC). The Rwandan government had almost a week ahead of SADC’s finalization of its troops deployment to Mozambique, announced that it was in the process of deploying a 1000 person contingent of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique’s province of Cabo Delgado, which had been terrorized by insurgents, at the request of the Mozambique government.  Rwanda had in its statement not shied away that its deploym...
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eSwatini a Case Study for IR

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The events in eSwatini took a drastic turn this week when the United States of America (U.S.) embassy divulged information of the shooting of an embassy vehicle, and with the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) reminding the eSwatini government of its commitment to the international human rights law, amid the ongoing violence and unrest in the country. The U.S. embassy had on Thurday confirmed the shooting of an embassy vehicle on 01 July at the height of the prodemocracy protests and heavy deployment of government armed forces, and what government had described as mercenaries.  The embassy said the eSwatini Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed of the incident via a diplomatic note; which was a standard form of communication between all diplomatic missions and the eSwatini Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. had this week also increased its Marine Security Guards following the shooting incident.  In a statement issued by the em...
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Pro-democracy protests in eSwatini

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The Kingdom of eSwatini made international headlines this week as calls for democratic reforms in the country intensified through protests.  ESwatini is an absolute monarchy governed by the Tinkhundla systems.  Pro-democracy civilians had taken to the streets to demand reform of the current governance system. A curfew from 18h00 until 05h00 was imposed as the civil unrest grew, with reports of loss of life and burning of property. During this time, reports of King Mswati III having fled the country emerged via social media platforms, which the government of eSwatini disputed indicating as ‘false media reports’.  South African multinational telecommunications company operating in the country, MTN, had during this time also reported interruption of internet services, which emaSwati and civil society, including Amnesty International, viewed as a direct violation of human rights and aimed at curbing the spread of information pertaining developments in the country....
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Youth and international spaces

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Despite South Africa having a vibrant and radical youth, as witnessed during the 1976 Uprising and recently with the #FeesMustFall protests, the involvement of young people in international diplomacy remains frustrating. During a recent youth dialogue, hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) under the theme; Enhancing Representation and Leadership of Youth in Foreign Policy Space, a number of young people called for the institutionalization of transcontinental spaces, inclusivity at DIRCO, and to be considered for the country’s foreign relations posts.  The panel discussion had uncovered the lack of youth involvement not only in foreign policy-making, but also on the global programs such the Build Back Better , as countries around the world sought to rebuild post the Covid-19 pandemic.  Acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) at DIRCO, Charlotte Lobe, said the rules and protocol in international diplomacy were sometimes too complex...
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SA's position on HIV/AIDS

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HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the concerning global epidemics world leaders are still grappling with. The United Nations (UN) had last week (8-11 June 2021) held a High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. South Africa, represented by Deputy President (DP) David Mabuza, in his capacity as the DP and Chairperson of the multi-sectoral body, the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), had reiterated to the world the country's support for the 2021 Political Declaration towards ending AIDS.   South Africa affirmed that the protection of human rights of people living with HIV and other key and vulnerable populations, is paramount to enabling access to services and fighting stigma and discrimination. "In order for the world to succeed in ending AIDS by 2030, we need to recognise and protect the rights of all key and vulnerable populations by involving people living with HIV and placing communities at the centre of our response," said Mabuza. South Africa further advance...
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Media Statement

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Media Statement 07 June 2021 PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE OF AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 8 June 2021, address and chair the virtual meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The President will chair the meeting in his capacity as the Coordinator of this continental structure.    The Committee was established in 2009 by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government to spearhead an African Common Position on Climate Change and ensure that Africa speaks with one voice in global climate change negotiations. The Committee’s deliberations this week form part of preparations for COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, which will be held in the United Kingdom in November 2021. The meeting will deliberate on the African Green Stimulus Programme and the current status of the international climate negotiations in light of the COV...
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Importance of academia in foreign-policy

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The University of Limpopo (UL) in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had on 26 May 2021 convened a virtual symposium to discuss: The Importance of Education (Academia) in the Formulation of South Africa’s Foreign Policy. DIRCO Deputy Minister, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, delivered the keynote address, in which she shared the importance of academics and scholars in the formulation of foreign policy. “As thought leaders, you also constitute part of the broader civil society movements, and your influence must never be understated,” she said speaking at the UL’s Turfloop Campus. Minister Mashego-Dlamini further said studies by the academia provided guidance in imagining an Africa that is united, independent and prosperous.  “We want to hear more African voices,” she emphasized.  Researcher, Remofiloe Lobakeng, said foreign-policy making cannot exist in a vacuum. Lobakeng said barriers between the academia and foreign-polic...
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Location: South Africa
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